Business
Cathay Pacific celebrates five years of Maldives service
Cathay Pacific has celebrated five years of operations in the Maldives.
A special cake cutting ceremony was held Sunday afternoon at the offices of Ace Travels Maldives, the recently appointed General Sales Agent (GSA) for Cathay Pacific in the Maldives. Cathay Pacific’s Regional General Manager for South Asia, Middle East and Africa Mark Sutch, the airline’s Country Lead for Sri Lanka and Maldives Vishnu Rajendran, and its Port Lead in Maldives Harish Kiran along with Mohamed Firaq, the Managing Director of Ace Travels, attended the ceremony.
Mark told journalists that Cathay Pacific would strive to expand its service to the Maldives with additional frequency and seating capacity during the tourist peak season. Through its regional wing Cathay Dragon’s wide network across China, Cathay Pacific would also be able to connect the Maldives to more cities in the island destination’s biggest tourist market, he added.
“We are very elated that in the last five years we have been able to offer quintessential travel experience to our passengers travelling to and from Maldives based on our service ethos – Service Straight from the Heart. We endeavour to continue and enhance the overall travel experience for our customers,” Mark said.
“Owing to our strong network, for our customers from Male we offer seamless connections to Mainland China, Japan and Australia. Maldives is a popular tourist destination and we also see a big influx of inbound tourists from these counties. With the support of our ground handling partners and agencies we are happy to celebrate this milestone and committed to continue to deliver a premium travel experience to our customers at every step.”
Meanwhile, Ace Travels is offering special fares to mark the fifth year anniversary of Cathay Pacific’s service in the Maldives.
Cathay Pacific, which began its service to the Maldives on October 27, 2013, operates a non-stop, four days a week service from Hong Kong International Airport to the Maldives main Velana International Airport. It utilises the Airbus A330-300 aircraft, featuring award-winning fully flat-bed Business Class seats, convenient Premium Economy class seats together with ergonomically designed Economy Class seats.
With a fleet of 146 wide-body aircraft, the flagship carrier of Hong Kong serves 80 destinations (including cargo) in 46 countries and territories on five continents, with a well-developed Asian network. The airline is in the process of getting new A350 jets in an effort to expand its services to destinations such as Washington DC in the US, Cape Town in South Africa and Brussels in Belgium.
Ace Travels Maldives is a joint venture between Inner Maldives Holidays, one of the leading Destination Management Companies (DMCs) in the Maldives, and Aitken Spence Travels, the leading DMC in Sri Lanka. In addition to being the the Passenger Sales Agent (PSA) for SriLankan Airlines and General Sales Agent (GSA) for Scoot, Ace Travels handles several other major airlines and provides hotel packages.
For bookings and special fares, please contact Ace Travels on +960 3006886 / +960 7931334 or email to sales@acetravels.mv.
Business
Barcelo Nasandhura Malé to open in Q1 2025
Barcelo Nasandhura Malé, the Maldives’ newest luxury destination, is set to open its doors in Q1 2025.
Located on the site of the former Nasandhura Palace Hotel, the property will become the largest hotel in the capital, Malé. With 136 elegantly designed rooms, including 95 with stunning ocean views, and 116 luxurious serviced apartments, Barcelo Nasandhura Malé promises a unique blend of sophistication, comfort, and convenience in the heart of this vibrant city.
Operated by the renowned Spanish hotel chain Barcelo Group, the hotel represents a significant expansion of the brand’s presence in the Maldives and beyond. Barcelo Group, known for its exceptional resorts, recently opened Barcelo Whale Lagoon Maldives in South Ari Atoll in August 2024, further solidifying its growing portfolio in the region. In addition to its Maldivian properties, Barcelo Group manages a range of high-profile hotels across the UAE, Thailand, and several European countries.
Barcelo Nasandhura Malé will feature an array of premium facilities, including four upscale dining outlets, a rooftop shisha bar, an oceanfront pool, a state-of-the-art gym, and a luxurious spa. The hotel will also boast 1,034 square meters of versatile MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) space, making it an ideal venue for corporate events and gatherings.
While some serviced apartments were initially intended for residential use, they will now be available for daily rental, offering guests enhanced flexibility and a wider range of accommodation options. Originally scheduled to open on December 1, 2024, the opening has been slightly delayed due to minor construction work. However, the team remains committed to ensuring Barcelo Nasandhura Malé is ready to welcome its first guests in Q1 2025.
Barcelo Hotel Group, awarded World’s Leading Hotel Management Company 2023 by the World Travel Awards, is the second-largest hotel chain in Spain and ranks among the 30 largest globally in terms of the number of rooms. Founded in 1931, this family-run organisation operates 280 four- and five-star city and holiday hotels, offering more than 62,000 rooms across 25 countries. The group markets its hotels under four distinct brands, each focused on providing diverse and memorable travel experiences.
Renowned for its commitment to excellence and sustainability, Barcelo Hotel Group delivers exceptional stays, seamlessly blending luxury, comfort, and environmental responsibility.
Action
Denise Hoefer brings world-class Padel to The Nautilus Maldives
As part of its ‘Masters for Masters’ series, The Nautilus Maldives will host Denise Hoefer, Germany’s No. 1 padel player and one of the world’s top 50 most influential figures in the padel industry, for an exclusive Padel Masterclass from March 22 to 25, 2025. This exceptional event invites guests to enhance their padel skills under the expert guidance of a global champion, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Maldives’ Indian Ocean.
Padel, recognised as the world’s fastest-growing sport, has captured the hearts of 30 million enthusiasts globally, according to the International Padel Federation. This March, The Nautilus will provide a unique opportunity for guests to immerse themselves in this thrilling game during a four-day Padel Masterclass led by Denise Hoefer, Germany’s top-ranked female padel player and captain of the German national team. Participants will refine their techniques on The Nautilus’s state-of-the-art padel court, while experiencing the island’s signature blend of world-class coaching and timeless, unscripted hospitality.
The Padel Masterclass will feature a tailored mix of group and private sessions, catering to players of all levels. Younger participants will have the chance to join the Young Wonderers program, offering specially designed classes that introduce the sport in a fun and engaging way. After an energising day on the court, guests can unwind at Solasta Spa, where exclusive treatments by Maison Caulières—such as Spinal Connection Deep Tissue Healing, Volcanic Stone Therapy, and Warm Poultices—promise ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation. These tranquil spa experiences provide a perfect complement to the day’s dynamic activities, leaving participants refreshed and revitalised.
With just 26 ultra-luxury houses and residences, The Nautilus offers an intimate sanctuary within the Baa Atoll, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Surrounded by powder-soft white sands, vibrant coral reefs, and crystal-clear waters, this private island retreat redefines bespoke hospitality. Every element is meticulously crafted to inspire, offering guests an unparalleled ultra-luxury experience focused on relaxation, renewal, and discovery. Whether honing padel skills or embracing the serenity of island life, The Nautilus stands as the ultimate destination for discerning travellers.
Business
BBM, Lifebuoy empowers hygiene practices among Maldivian children
BBM, in collaboration with Lifebuoy, marked Global Handwashing Day 2024 with engaging activities aimed at instilling the habit of proper hand hygiene among Maldivian school children. Held on November 17th, the event continued the successful “H for Handwashing” campaign, blending education with creativity and fun.
The initiative featured info sessions, exciting games, and creative contests designed to teach children the importance of handwashing while giving them a hands-on understanding of the correct techniques. Activities ranged from reimagined board games like “Germs & Ladders” and “Handwashing Ludo” to interactive sessions that reinforced hygiene habits in an enjoyable way.
This campaign underscores BBM’s commitment to fostering healthier practices among the younger generation, contributing to a healthier and more hygienic Maldives. COO of BBM, A.V.S. Subrahmanyam, emphasised, “At BBM, we believe that empowering the next generation with the knowledge and tools for better hygiene practices is vital for building a resilient and healthy community. We are proud to continue our efforts in collaboration with partners like Lifebuoy.”
Adding to this, Muksith Hussain, Head of Retail Sales at BBM, shared, “Reaching children through such innovative initiatives helps us lay the foundation for a healthier tomorrow. We are thrilled to see the enthusiasm and participation of these young minds in learning the importance of hygiene.”
The event also saw valuable support from the Maldivian Red Crescent (MRC), whose contributions enriched the experience for the children. BBM expressed gratitude for MRC’s involvement, as their efforts played a key role in making the event impactful and memorable.
Through campaigns like this, BBM aims to nurture a lifelong habit of handwashing, creating a brighter and healthier future for the Maldives.
Let’s keep the spirit alive—join the Handwashing Revolution with BBM and Lifebuoy!
-
News1 week ago
Kuda Villingili Resort Maldives receives Wellness Heaven Award 2026 nominations
-
Action1 week ago
JOALI BEING hosts inspirational tennis workshops with Sascha Zverev, Alexander Zverev Foundation
-
News1 week ago
The St. Regis Maldives Vommuli Resort gets Green Globe Certification for excellence in sustainability
-
News1 week ago
Dream island getaway at Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa Maldives to locals, expats
-
Cooking7 days ago
New year of culinary excellence at Coco Bodu Hithi
-
Awards7 days ago
Universal Resorts’ Huvafen Fushi, Baros, Kurumba receive World Travel Awards 2024
-
News1 week ago
Sweet start to festive season at Canareef Resort Maldives
-
Featured3 days ago
AIDA brings over 2,000 tourists to Maldives in major economic boost